Pak should not doubt our sincerity: BCB

BCB president Mustafa Kamal says his sincerity in reviving international cricket in Pakistan should not be doubted.

Karachi: Having drawn flak in Pakistan for postponing their much-anticipated tour, BCB president Mustafa Kamal has responded by saying that his sincerity in reviving international cricket in Pakistan should not be doubted. He also dismissed suggestions that he had committed to the Bangladesh team's tour to Pakistan this month in return for the Pakistan Cricket Board's support to jointly nominate him for the vice-presidency of the ICC.

"No, it's absolutely incorrect. I can't get the vice-presidency with Pakistan's support only. I need endorsements from at least seven of 10 full members of the ICC to acquire the important office," Kamal told Pakistani channel News One from Dhaka.

Kamal has been under fire in the Pakistan cricket circles after the Bangladesh Cricket Board postponed a tour of two matches last week because of an order from the Dhaka High Court which issued an injunction against the Bangladesh team going to Pakistan for four weeks. The petitioner, Barrister Hassan Azim, was of the view that due to the law and order situation, the Bangladesh cricket team's tour to Pakistan was not conducive.

Kamal said he could not comment on the High Court order or case, but said the BCB would file a reply within the given timeframe. "Since the matter is sub-judice and our lawyers have to study the full court order, therefore I will not be able to comment on it. Our legal division is working and we will file the reply accordingly," he said.

He also did not believe that the PCB could stop its players from appearing in the Bangladesh Premier League next year, as a retaliatory measure. "The matter is between the two boards and the reports about Pakistan's likely absence from the upcoming BPL is mere speculation at the moment. PCB and BCB are striving hard for the betterment of cricket in the region, and I hope the bilateral cooperation will continue," he said.

Bangladesh were scheduled to play one ODI and a Twenty20 in Lahore on April 29 and April 30 respectively.

The PCB has hinted that it could review its decision to nominate Kamal as a joint candidate of both the boards for the ICC position.